Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this hearty Baked Potato Casserole, a creamy symphony of cheesy goodness and crispy bacon. Potato lovers will savor each comforting bite of this classic American side dish that promises to elevate any meal with its rich, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 large potatoes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup bacon bits
Dairy and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace and gather all necessary utensils for the potato casserole preparation.
- Heat the oven to 350F (175C) to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Thoroughly cleanse the potatoes, removing any dirt or imperfections, then dice them into uniform small cubes.
- Submerge potato cubes in boiling water, cooking until they reach a tender consistency, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes completely, allowing them to rest and cool slightly.
- Create a smooth butter and flour roux in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Gradually incorporate milk into the roux, stirring consistently until the mixture thickens and develops a creamy texture.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Fold in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese melts completely and integrates with the sauce.
- Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and potential burning.
- Construct the first layer by spreading half of the potato cubes, then sprinkle green onions and bacon bits evenly.
- Drizzle half of the prepared cheese sauce over the initial layer, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining potatoes, green onions, and bacon bits.
- Pour the remaining cheese sauce over the second layer, creating a consistent distribution.
- Top the casserole with the final 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese for an additional golden, crispy layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly.
Notes
- Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to create a nutrient-dense, lower-glycemic version that adds beautiful orange color and extra vitamins.
- Reduce dairy and calories by using low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese without compromising the creamy texture and rich flavor profile.
- Make this dish vegetarian-friendly by replacing bacon bits with smoky roasted mushrooms or crispy coconut bacon for a similar umami crunch and depth.
- Prep potatoes ahead of time by boiling and cubing them the night before, which streamlines cooking and saves precious weeknight kitchen time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg